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which involves the installation of an immobilizer in all vehicles. The
immobilizer system complements the existing HTVTS to effectively
prevent any HazMat transporting vehicles from being put to ill-intended
use to achieve terror-related objectives. The system essentially enables
SCDF’s Control Room to immobilize vehicles that deviate from its
approved route by employing the Limp Mode technology that restricts
fuel supply to the fuel injectors, bringing the vehicle to a gradual stop.
Community engagement
In an emergency an unprepared population will be thrown into chaos
and helplessness. Before the arrival of emergency forces, it is crucial
for those who are caught in an emergency to help themselves or to
help those in need. Observations of past terror attacks and disasters
show that it is common for unaffected people within the vicinity to
come forward to manage the crisis and render assistance. It is there-
fore imperative that the entire Singapore population is equipped with
emergency preparedness skills and ready to face any emergency.
To address this challenge, SCDF has adopted a dual approach to
developing community capacity. To promote greater community
ownership and self-help in tackling local issues, the Community
Safety and Security Programme (CSSP) was introduced. Then, public
education initiatives such as Community Emergency Preparedness
Programme (CEPP) and Emergency Preparedness (EP) Day were
created to introduce systematic, convenient platforms for the public
to pick up knowledge and skills.
Promotion of community self-help
The CSSP is a proactive approach to implementing projects and
action plans which tackle community issues and problems affecting
the safety and security of local neighbourhoods. Jointly carried out
by grassroots leaders, residents and authorities, it is central to
promoting the spirit of self-help and mutual support. It also serves
to foster community cohesion and bonding among local people, and
promotes ‘active citizenry’ among Singaporeans.
Successful CSSP projects include ‘Citizens-on-patrol’ (COP), where
volunteers patrol their local neighbourhood on bicycles to look out
for any suspicious persons or objects, as well as responding to minor
emergencies. ‘Hawker Emergency Life Saving Point’ (HELP) involves
hawkers in Holland Village, an area identified as a possible ‘soft target’,
working closely with SCDF. Trained hawkers are equipped with first
aid kits, fire blankets and extinguishers, helmets and loud hailers –
essential items that will help in the extinguishing of fires or evacua-
tion. This platform has empowered members of the public to start
taking charge of safety and security issues within their neighbourhood.
Enhancing public education outreach programmes
EP Days
– EP Days have been held at various residential constituen-
cies annually since September 2003. SCDF hopes to sensitize and
educate residents in dealing with unconventional threats such as chem-
ical release and bomb explosions through ‘live’ demonstrations, as well
as emergency preparedness validation stations. To elicit greater self-
reliance among the community, SCDF also encouraged grassroots
organizations such as the Emergency Preparedness Groups (EPGs) and
Civil Defence Executive Committees (CDECs) to lead the conduct of
EP Day. The 72 EP Days held annually serve as an important platform
for SCDF to reach out effectively to the masses, by bringing emergency
preparedness knowledge to the doorsteps of homes and workplaces.
CEPP
– Public education was reinforced by the establishment of a
modular Civil Defence public training programme that is conducted
daily. This signalled a move from ad-hoc training courses
to a convenient, systematic and holistic programme.
Known as the Community Emergency Preparedness
Programme (CEPP), it packages essential civil defence
skills and knowledge into five separate modules – First
Aid; Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation; Fire Safety and
Casualty Evacuation; Emergency Procedures, and
Unconventional Threats. Conducted free-of-charge at four
SCDF Public Education Centres in various parts of
Singapore, each module comprises theoretical and practi-
cal lessons. Members of the public are allowed to register
via the Internet or telephone and attend any combination
of CEPP modules on their preferred date. This flexibility
and convenience makes training more accessible to
members of the public.
Leveraging technology
– SCDF also leverages innova-
tion and technology to enhance public outreach. In
addition to traditional means such as road show exhi-
bitions and the CD Emergency Handbook, the public
can access emergency preparedness knowledge from the
SCDF website at any time. They can also download
animated emergency preparedness clips and text onto
their mobile phones for reference.
To allow individuals to measure their level of emergency
readiness, SCDF designed an interactive online assessment
tool known as the ‘Individual Readiness Assessment’
(IREA), which gives an automatic tabulation of the indi-
vidual’s readiness status and advises them on the steps to
be taken to improve it based on their current performance.
To effectively educate a multi-ethnic Singapore popu-
lation, SCDF has also introduced a multilingual video
broadcast system that simultaneously broadcasts public
education videos in multiple languages during EP Day
and CEPP. In addition, a variety of interactive simulators
such as an emergency preparedness IT bus called the I-
Buzz and In-Place Protection Simulators are deployed at
outreach events to enhance public learning. Leveraging
innovation allows SCDF to introduce interactive means
for the public to get involved in civil defence.
Since the 11 September attacks in the US, we have
made progress in our readiness to respond to any chal-
lenge. Given the uncertain global security environment,
it is only prudent that we remain vigilant and prepared.
It is imperative that the entire Singapore population be equipped with
emergency preparedness skills and ready to face any emergencies
Image: SCDF